Sokółka County officials face scrutiny over China delegation trip

Officials from Sokółka County, Poland, have established formal cooperation channels with China following an 11-day delegation trip in September 2026. The group, which included 17 high school students and several local authorities, visited Shanghai, Beijing, and Sanming. The trip resulted in a school partnership agreement and a letter of intent with the Shaxian district regarding education, entrepreneurship, and local product promotion.

The trip, costing approximately 237,000 PLN, was funded by the Powiatowe Przedsiębiorstwo Drogowo-Budowlane, a company 100% owned by the county. The delegation included Starosta Piotr Rećko, Vice-Starosta Łukasz Owsiejko, and board member Jerzy Białomyzy. Two local councilwomen also served as student chaperones.

The trip has sparked significant local controversy. Critics have questioned the composition of the adult delegation, noting that the officials are full-time employees of the county office. Additionally, a video surfaced showing the Starosta ordering alcohol in a Chinese restaurant, leading to public debate. While officials declared they would personally reimburse their travel costs, questions remain regarding the timing of these payments and the overall necessity of the expenditure.